THERE’S not many things more offen sive than artificially inflated gas prices. So with pump prices reaching post-Katrina levels without the benefit of a natural disaster, it’s hard to say what is more troubling: $3.25 for regular, or a .111 batting average for David Ortiz?

There are plenty of bona fide studs who have started the season on empty. Here’s a look at some whose numbers should rise as quickly as petro in the future, and others who may never fill up their statistical tank:

David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox – Is he destined for a rebound, or has he hit the same wall Carlos Delgado ran into last year? We say there’s plenty of power left in Big Papi, just look at Friday’s breakout – 2-for-4 with a grand slam and five RBIs, raising his average to a, ahem, healthy.134. Think of him as discount high octane. Get him cheap while you can.

Alfonso Soriano, OF, Cubs – We have full confidence Soriano will put the pedal to the metal once he returns from a calf injury, but his mileage might not be as good. Expect a dip in stolen bases, at least in the short term.

Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees – He’s in too good of a lineup to continue to struggle this mightily. Even if by accident, his numbers will improve.

Hunter Pence, OF, Astros – Pence is still young, and is suffering his first full-on extended slump since rising to prominence. Therefore, we are a little less enthusiastic about a robust rebound. Not a bad guy to trade if you can still get quality in return.

Gary Sheffield, OF, Tigers – Remember the Delgado wall we were discussing earlier? Well, it looks as if Sheffield is leaning comfortably against it. We’re worried he will not completely break out of his funk this season (or beyond). He is still too valuable to drop, but if you can trade him, do so.

Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins – Uggla was overvalued to start with. He posted solid power numbers last year, but his .245 average was scary. We don’t think he will stay in the .100s this season, but don’t expect him to rise to his .282 rookie average, either.

Phil Hughes, SP, Yankees – We know, he’s not a bona fide stud. Still, we had high hopes. But he’s looked more like the biggest Big Apple bust since Blair Thomas rather than the future of the franchise. Potential is too high to give up on him yet, but don’t be afraid to include him in a trade.